We did not get all of the sections, missing a few in Canada, AK, EWA, and PAC. We made contacts on 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10 meters.

We would like to thank everyone who operated, participated, helped in the setup, teardown and planning for the event. We are especially thankful for those who oversaw the tent and food preparation: Robert W9RKK for SSB, Bob W9DXR for CW, Bob W9GEW for GOTA and Bill W9WEM for both dinner and breakfast with help from Frank N9QPD. A special thanks goes out to Ryan W9RAO for climbing the tower at both setup and tear down, and as serving as our impromptu first aid station.

Here is a video shot by drone as we were setting up. Thanks to Peter KD9ICT for bringing the drone.

A few photos of our operation follow.

New SARC banners donated by Bob W9GEWGOTA and SSB stationsMatt AC9IG operates SSBRobert W9RKK operates SSBCW station waiting for the contest to beginCommemorative Field Day 2018 name badges were produced on site by laser etching. Bob W9GEW brought this equipment to the site.

The club recently assisted with the Hoffman Estates Independence Day Parade. This event is slightly different than most public service deployments. Typically, ham radio volunteers are only expected to be communicators, helping event staff effectively communicate over a large area. While we still used our radios and communications skills, we are also responsible for getting all parade units lined up in the proper order in the staging prior to the parade beginning. We have worked with the village for many years and appreciate that they trust us with this task.

Rob N9MVO served as net control operator for the event and was also our liaison with the village. He reports that the event went very well. He also commented that we were able to assist the police in locating a girl who had been separated from her mother during the event. While the club didn’t necessarily plan for this contingency all of our operators were very professional in their response.

Jim KB9RGU was located at the parade reviewing stand and commented “Excellent job by everyone involved!”

Thanks to Robert W9RKK for the photos.

Club members meet at the next control station at the conclusion of the parade.Parade units line up in the staging areaN9MVO (center) briefing club members on the deployment details.Club member finishing up their deployment by meeting with net control.W9RKK helping parade participants line up in the staging area.

On Saturday, November 3 (one week after the last class session) the club will hold it’s monthly VE testing session at the Schaumburg Community Recreation Center where you can take the exam to upgrade to your general license.